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Thousands of Christmas Trees Up for Bid in Union County

EAST BUFFALO TOWNSHIP — The annual Christmas tree auction is underway in Union County. People from all over the east coast gather at the auction near Miff...

EAST BUFFALO TOWNSHIP -- The annual Christmas tree auction is underway in Union County.

People from all over the east coast gather at the auction near Mifflinburg to bid on trees which may very well end up inside your home.

At the Buffalo Valley produce auction near Mifflinburg, there are close to 20 acres of Christmas trees. Organizers say this is the biggest Christmas tree auction in the world, with more than 80,000 trees auctioned off.

"There's a lot here this year, a lot!"

The two-day event starts with auctioning off wreaths and other Christmas supplies. But day two is what most people wait for: the Christmas trees!

Steve Myers of Myers Christmas Tree Farm in Hughesville comes to the auction to buy trees that don't grow well on his farm.

"We come over here and buy 25, 30 of a species that we run short on every year because there's a pretty big selection here. We're just looking to fill our orders," Myers explained.

Stan Kohl of Kohl's Stony Hill Tree Farm knows exactly what he wants to buy at the auction.

"Frazier fir being one of them, they just don't do well on our farm, so we have to fill in with something. We come here and see if we can get some."

While some people say the prices are fair, Jeff Myers of Hughesville noticed the prices of large trees are higher this year.

"Maybe even double compared to last year for big trees," said Myers. "I think the majority of the trees get cut down at a smaller height so the big trees are not lasting as long in the field."

It's not just local people who come to the Christmas tree auction, People also travel from other states to bid on Christmas trees.

"I have a fruit and vegetable farm and I buy trees to take to the roadside market. I've been coming down here for 10 years," said Rick Rhinehart, Niagara Falls, New York.

Rhinehart drove four hours to get here from Niagara Falls. He says it is worth it to be able to buy all of his trees and seasonal decorations at one event.

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